Navigating Change: Ag Leaders Reflect on Strategy After the First 100 Days
The inauguration of the new administration has brought both challenges and opportunities for business sectors across the country, including the agriculture industry. The first 100 days, filled with uncertainty and shifting goal posts, have only emphasized the critical need for organizations to stay grounded in their core priorities while remaining agile and adaptive in their advocacy and communications strategies.
Hosted by Adfero’s Energy and Agriculture Practice, industry leaders across communications, policy and grassroots advocacy joined Adfero’s Maggie Allard for a discussion on the state of agriculture following the first 100 days of the Trump Administration.
Our conversation’s panelists included:
Nicole Hasheider
Vice President of Marketing and Communications
National Corn Grower’s Association’s
Jenny Mesirow
Senior Vice President of Government Affairs
Farm Credit Council
Tom Donnelly
Senior Director of Advocacy & Grassroots Program Development
American Farm Bureau Federation
With perspectives from marketing and communications, government affairs and grassroots advocacy at the table, the discussion resulted in clear takeaways and tips not only for public affairs professionals in the agriculture space but across industries. Three actionable insights, include:
- Stay rooted in long-term goals
As new executive orders and shifting policy priorities take shape, industry advocates, associations, and stakeholders are adapting their messages to meet the moment without losing sight of their core objectives. Panelists emphasized that successful advocacy requires a dual approach: remaining flexible in how and when messages are delivered, but consistent in the priorities they reflect. In a fast-moving policy environment, it’s important to avoid being immediately reactive to every change. Instead, ground communications in long-term goals while thoughtfully responding to key developments to help ensure your voice remains both relevant and resilient.
- Harness the power of storytelling for advocacy
Policymakers and staffers are most compelled by stories that humanize complex issues. Panelists emphasized the importance of putting a face to policy, whether through fly-ins, district visits, or direct constituent engagement. Storytelling that highlights the real-world impact on Americans - whether they be farmers, families, rural communities, or others - not only builds empathy but also makes abstract policy debates tangible and urgent.
- Be prepared to engage proactively
Effective advocacy isn’t just about showing up, it’s about showing up prepared. Panelists stressed the importance of having clear priorities, coordinated messaging across internal teams, and a readiness to act when the right opportunity presents itself. Proactive engagement with lawmakers is most successful when supported by thoughtful planning, timely execution, and alignment across teams. In today’s fast-moving landscape, preparation is what enables influence.
While uncertainty remains in Washington and across the country, this discussion underscored the critical need for industries to evolve their messaging and advocacy strategies to align with today’s dynamic policy landscape.
Listen to the full conversation below:
